The Sky is the Limit

Pictured: Skyanalog REF phono cartridge 

Cartridges are at the very forefront of groove information retrieval. Whether it’s a wax cylinder, 78rpm shellac disc, or a vinyl record, the cartridge is where the music begins, so it pays to get it right!

Skyanalog might be the biggest cartridge manufacturer you’ve never heard of. You may have even listened to cartridges they helped produce without realising. How’s that? Well, Skyanalog is an OEM manufacturer for several well-known cartridge brands. A quick look at their cartridges, and you might recognise hints of other cartridge designs in their sleek, simple bodies, though I’ll leave it to your imagination to figure out which ones. 

Founded in 1999, they have helped produce over 50,000 cartridges and contributed to launching more than 50 models for over 20 brands worldwide. During this period, they dedicated themselves to researching and developing core technologies before launching the Skyanalog brand in 2019, with their acclaimed G Series range of cartridges. Since then, their range has expanded to include seven Moving Coil cartridges, including two top-tier reference models and their entry-level P Series.

The P-Series includes the P-1M and the P-1G, the latter looks great on any turntable thanks to its bold green colour (hence the ‘G’ in the name). Priced at only $750, the P-1M features a conical stylus bonded to an aluminium cantilever. The P-1G improves further with an elliptical profile stylus mounted on a boron cantilever – features usually only seen in much higher-priced cartridges - for just $1,100. Both are excellent performers, delivering high-end MC refinement at very attractive prices. The P-1M is bold and punchy and the warmer of the two—making it a great choice for a wide range of decks or for someone looking to switch from MM to MC. The P-1G is more refined, offering an open, transparent sound with extended high frequencies characteristic of many high-end MCs. 

“The level of performance that these Skyanalog MCs offer represents a serious challenge to other cartridges at twice the price.” - Skyanalog P-1M & P-1G, Best Buy, the-ear.net 2024

Moving on to the G-Series, Skyanalog states it is designed to deliver a very natural sound with a flat frequency response and analytical performance. Here, all the differences relate to the cantilever material. The series begins with the G-1MkII, which features a boron cantilever and an elliptical stylus, followed by the G-2MkII, which uses a ruby cantilever with an elliptical stylus. Finally, the G-3MkII has a sapphire cantilever and a nude elliptical stylus.

The range concludes with the aptly named REF and the Diamond 25th Edition models. Both feature a Micro-ridge stylus, which is mounted on a Sapphire cantilever in the Ref and on a Diamond cantilever in the Diamond 25th Edition. These cartridges represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and performance, designed for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sound quality and precision.

To utilise a diamond cantilever, Skyanalog developed its innovative YAN (Snake) Suspension System, which is now featured on all their cartridges. It is designed to enhance sound quality by precisely controlling vibrations through a refined interaction between a thin, optimised-elasticity spring and a specialised rubber damper. Its main aim is to preserve the audio signal from the record, reduce distortion and information loss, and deliver a wider dynamic range for a more lifelike, clearer, and more energetic listening experience.

The Real Music Company is proud to introduce this exciting new cartridge brand, featuring innovative technology at very attractive prices for the New Zealand Home Audio market. Please contact your local store for more details.

Prices are correct at date of publishing.

See our Skyanalog range here